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"Never under any condition should this nation look at an immigrant as primarily a labor unit. He should always be looked at primarily as a future citizen."-Theodore Roosevelt, 1917

"It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people and not be in favor of justice for all people."-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Isaona i tumungo’ ya ha sedi, ki ayo i mismo umisagui hao. Greater is the fault of he who allows the injustice upon himself. "-Chamorro proverb

"There can be no tyrants where there are no slaves." -Jose Rizal

"I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights." -Bishop Desmond Tutu

Disclaimer: This is not a legal blog. No opinion or statement should be perceived as legal advice. All posts are the opinion of the author or contributors who are expressing their First Amendment Rights.

I know there are many attorneys in the CNMI. So why aren't the individuals who are not being paid their full salaries on time; not receiving their housing allowances; and are being told that they must now pay the delinquent employer's share of their health and life insurance premiums, suing the CHC?

What will it take until the employees decide that enough is enough? Their positions are clearly unstable, as the hospital is on life support and getting closer to death even though a state of emergency was declared.

The Marianas Variety reported that the insurance companies are demanding payment in full from employees for their insurance premiums even though the government has already deducted the fees from their paychecks. The article stated that CHC personnel received letters from the Government Health and Life Insurance Program stating:

“THIS LETTER IS NOTICE THAT YOUR HEALTH AND/OR LIFE INSURANCE(S) WILL BE CANCELLED IF YOU FAIL TO REMIT THE SPECIFIED PAYMENT TO THE GROUP HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE TRUST WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS LETTER,” shouted the first page in bold, capital letters.

The specified payment represents 100% of the overdue employer and employee premiums for the last seven pay periods, according to the article. Did the GHLIP also send a threatening letter to the CHC?

What happened to the U.S. Department of Labor investigating the unpaid wages and benefits? Like too many agencies in the CNMI, they too appear to move in ultra-slow motion. Nurses from Rota and Tinian complained to this U.S. agency years ago concerning nonpayment of wages.

I am not sure if there are many employees of the CHC that can afford to just walk away. But the way things are progressing (or not progressing) it looks like the hospital will be shutting it doors soon and they will have no choice. They should sue before they leave.

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comments:

Although I agree on this course of action, as in the past there is no collection for any lawsuit against the Govt.From what has been written in the past when this has been questioned, it was stated the the legislature has to appropriate the money to pay off lawsuits.Since this is never done (unless they are related to the elected) this is a no win situation.Look at just a few, The outer cove Marina, The retirement Fund, how many "land acquisition" deals that went to court.There are so many court ordered payments, but few are ever paid.

The employees need to find a way into federal court. Only then can the government can be ordered to pay by federal courts, which have ways to enforce judgments that the local courts would be powerless to enforce. Otherwise, the employees should give up and look for new jobs. Even with a loan, CHC will be on the brink again next year at this time. The CNMI is now in partial meltdown and, without evasive action, will be in full core meltdown within a year.

Noni 8:29, Noni 6:24 answered your question. Maybe by filing a labor complaint with the Feds may do it. But I would approach Pam Brown, the fed Ombudsman. I am almost certain she could suggest something. And good luck as something does need to be done.

This is also the case with the other Govt. employees, they are getting deduction taken out from their pay (also stolen)that is supposed to be paid into the retirement fund along with the Govt. contribution but nothing is paid into the fund.I would think they also have a case but because of the resulting fallout and backlash from the Govt.and resulting loss of their job and also any other family member Govt. jobs if they were to file some kind of case none will open their mouth.Again good luck, and stick together.